AfriGeneas Caribbean Research Forum

Your comments inspired me to read some of the history of Colombia Cuba and in particular Panama.

Below is a link to Wikipedia which provides a summary and shows 2 maps. I mentioned before, that Panama was part of Colombia. It wasn't until 1821 that Colombia officially recognized Panama independent. It could mean that your family may have lived in Panama. Santa Marta is a large seaport city in Colombia, so it would be logical for your ancestors to have left from that city.

There is a strong connection between Panama and Jamaica as I am sure you are aware. A recent article said that there is much misinformation about the thousands of workers from Jamaica who helped to build the Panama Canal. "The large Jamaican immigration to the Isthmus consisted mostly of artisans, not laborers."